I'm a musician, designer and analyst. I love building things that matter.

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My primary goal in sharing these thoughts has been to encourage you to try some new things to enhance your communication, training, set goals and to introduce more play into your routine – especially when dealing with your role in a team.

As you begin to introduce “play” into your work, or into your team’s routine, be sure to wear your smile proudly and decide in advance to confront any obstacles head on with the goal of resolving them quickly and completely. Don’t let a bad attitude or bad circumstance ruin the experience for everyone.

As you start communicating your goals and vision to your team – give them opportunity to weigh in. You may have a list of things to complete a mile long, but your team may be looking for something to flip in their routine to provide a needed break, while still being productive. Let them reach out and grab a task, even if it’s not at the top of your priorities. Let them help you plan projects, let them help you choose what’s next. Give them an outlet to release the regular pressures of the workday.

As you plan your training, and training for your team, don’t just focus on mastering your current skills, but try something new. Ask around and give your team a chance to jump in and suggest new directions to focus their energies. Give the team a chance to shuffle tasks around a bit and try on new responsibilities. You may find that the change is good not only for morale, but might open up a whole realm of possibilities for growth that each individual might not have been able to consider previously.

As you begin to focus on improving your communication and start talking more candidly and frequently with your team, encourage them to do the same with you. The more each member talks, the more opportunities arise to learn lessons and gain valuable input.

Be candid about your feelings and thoughts.

Be open to new ideas and ways of solving problems.

Be fair and balanced when dealing with people.

Govern thy life and thoughts as if the whole world were to see the one, and read the other.

– Thomas Fuller

Do you have any thoughts on how to build a team that this e-book has helped inspire? Do you have any questions or want to hear more about something I’ve mentioned? Write to me at kenneth@kennethbaucum.com and let me know. I’m constantly looking for feedback and want to help teams and individuals grow.

When you stand still, you reject the struggle, and you refuse to change and grow. Ultimately, you reject fulfillment, happiness, the dance for joy and everything else that is eternally good.